Parents warned not to leave children home alone

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) said in August last year its helpline referred 849 children nationally to social services or police due to worries about them being left unsupervised.

It said a third of these children were five or under.

Between April last year and March this year, 7,277 children were referred to authorities due to concerns about them being left to fend for themselves, with the problem being most acute in August.

The NSPCC has warned that although a child may seem responsible enough to be left alone without supervision, parents and carers should think carefully whether they would be able to cope with unexpected situations such as an emergency, a stranger calling at the house, being hungry or if the parent is away for longer than anticipated.

The charity is also encouraging parents to read its home alone guide which includes questions they should ask themselves and their children before deciding to leave a child unsupervised.

NSPCC’s head of safeguarding in communities, Chris Cloke, said: “It can be difficult for parents and carers to decide whether their child is ready to be left on their own and we know that the summer holidays can be a tricky time as people face increasing childcare pressures. 

“However, it is still very concerning that we are consistently seeing a spike in August of referrals to social services and the police due to worries about children being left unsupervised.

“No child should be left on their own if there is any risk they will come to harm.”

To help parents and carers who may be considering whether or not to leave their child on their own for the first time this summer, the NSPCC has issued guidance on leaving children home alone on its website.

It recommends that:

- Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone.

- Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period of time.

- Children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight.

- Parents and carers can be prosecuted for neglect if it is judged that they placed a child at risk by leaving them at home alone.

- A child should never be left at home alone if they do not feel comfortable with it, regardless of their age.

- If a child has additional needs, these should be considered when leaving them at home alone or with an older sibling.

- When leaving a younger child with an older sibling think about what may happen if they were to have a falling out - would they both be safe?

The NSPCC’s helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 800 5000 for free and confidential advice.